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A recent article in the Christian Science Monitor called for Millennials to engage in more face-to-face activism in light of an apparent over-reliance on social media as a means of social change. Social media has been a powerful tool that has broken down language and geographic barriers, enabling a teenager to support ending the Darfur genocide from the comfort of their own bedroom. The problem is that the activism can stay right there - behind the bedroom door.
Social networks can create a false sense of community. It’s hard to understand what it means to live on less than $2 a day without meeting a family that needs to do so or understanding on a personal level how economic forces influence food supply and prices. We all know that you can not solve world hunger by visiting FreeRice.com. Some people are willing to give of their time and expertise, but what about the people who only add Facebook Causes to change their profile? I wonder if the sense of satisfaction they get from their online efforts makes them feel that face-to-face activism is either unnecessary or passe.
Every major preceding social movement has been built on personal relationships that grew to organizational formation and evolved into institutional change. While this century’s social movements may not appear identical to the well-known civil rights movements, anti-Vietnam War movement and others, real social change may still need people raising awareness among people who do not have access to social media. There may be obstacles when you try to show up, but you have to know how to work around the roadblocks. After all, no one ever said that change is easy.
What do you think? Can social media create real, lasting change or is it all about being trendy to show which causes you “support?”
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Comments
07.02.08
Vanessa: I think it all depends on how we decide to use it.
If we think it's going to be the end all be all of how we create change, it's not. We'll end up doing nothing.
If we use it as a catalyst to push real-world change, then it's definitely valuable.
The important thing to remember is that WE are making the lasting change. Not technology.
07.02.08
Ryan: I do agree with you that it depends on how we use it. I do that there are a lot of people who see social media as an end in itself rather than a means to an end. I just read an article that suggested that small steps can actually lower the likelihood of future, more demanding changes in the behavior. The study was looking at behavior concerning the environment. The authors suggested that people may feel they have done enough by taking that small step and cease continuing to improve their behavior. We need to figure out a way to not fall into that trap.
07.02.08
I know that when I see something on a blog or other social networking site that has a button or flash picture to support a cause, I usually shy away from it. I usually don't acknowledge someone on Facebook or MySpace who showcases their support simply because I do see it as a way to set yourself apart from the thousands upon thousands of other members. Facebook can encourage change but theres nothing like a rally or meeting. The same applies for networking as well. These sites are an addition to what is needed for effective networking.
07.03.08
I agree that it's a dangerous path. I think people in my generation have traded doing something that matters for simply "doing something" at the expense of any results. I dunno how to get them more engaged, but I do think it's vital to get over this deceptively meaningless "action" somehow.
07.03.08
@Tiffany I do think that it is worth considering the individualistic aspects of social media can be a turn-off for some. I think now that the initial frenzy has calmed some, people will start to think of other ways to generate productive enthusiasm.
@David I think what we have seen so far is only a start. I am cautious on my part because I think what could come next using social media could bring about some great changes. I like that there are things like Meetup.com and live-twittering during a natural disaster or some other important newsworthy event that channel what can be a lot of noise.
03.05.09
This is a great point - too bad I just found it. I think social media asa tool for change is better than nothing, and in some cases the best way to deal with things. But, you are right. Often the activity stops there. So - there are more people involved but is the depth and quality of their involvement the extent that it would be through non-social media veins. Anyhow, great post... too bad I'm 9 months late!
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